11 people are dead and 6 injured after an active shooter attacked the Tree of Life Synagogue between Shady and Wilkins Avenue in Squirrel Hill Saturday morning, according to Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich.
At a press conference Saturday afternoon, Hissrich confirmed the number of fatalities and injuries and explained that four police officers were among the injured. None of those fatally shot or injured were children.
The Pittsburgh Public Safety Department tweeted reports of an active shooter at Wilkins and Shady in Squirrel Hill at 10:34 a.m.
The University of Pittsburgh sent a text alert with the following:
“Shots fired at the Tree of Life synagogue on Wilkins Ave. Police operations are ongoing. Avoid the Squirrel Hill/Shadyside area.”
The suspect surrendered to the police and is being treated at Allegheny General Hospital for multiple gunshot wounds. He has been identified as Robert Bowers, 46, of Pittsburgh.
Bowers’ social media history displays a history of anti-semitism, including activity on the social media platform Gab, an alternative to Twitter that is often home to conspiracy theories.
At Saturday’s press conference, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pa. Scott Brady said the government expects to file federal criminal charges against Bower shortly, perhaps even by the end of the day.
“Robert Bowers represents the worst of humanity,” he said. “Justice in this case will be swift, and it will be severe.”
At Saturday’s press conference, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones said Bowers entered the synagogue with “an assault rifle and three handguns.”
Jones said the FBI will be looking at all aspects of the suspect’s life over the next several weeks. He said the suspect’s full motive is unknown and that the FBI believes he was acting alone.
Chief of Police Scott Schubert said the injured officers — two first responders as well as two swat team members who engaged the shooter inside the building — are all in stable condition.
Don Yealy, the Vice President of Emergency and Urgent Care at UPMC Physician Services, said the six injured have been sent to three different hospitals. A 61-year-old female, a 70-year-old male, a 55-year old officer and another officer were sent to UPMC Presby in Oakland. A 27-year-old officer was sent to UPMC Mercy and another unidentified injured person was sent to Allegheny General Hospital. Two of those injured, the 70-year-old male and the 55-year old officer, are in critical condition.
Gov. Tom Wolf, who was also present at Saturday’s press conference, praised the bravery of the law enforcement officers who responded to the scene and expressed sympathy for the victims and their families.
“We must take action to prevent these tragedies in the future,” he said. “These senseless acts of violence not who we are as Pennsylvanians, they are not who we are as Americans.”
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A woman stands shocked at the corner of Murray and Northumberland.
Gov. Wolf also issued a statement in response to the situation earlier in the day.
“The shooting in Pittsburgh this morning is an absolute tragedy. I have spoken with local leaders and my administration and the Pennsylvania State Police will provide any resources to assist local law enforcement and first responders,” Wolf said in the statement.
President Donald Trump also put out a statement regarding the shooting on Twitter.
Tree of Life is a conservative synagogue in Squirrel Hill that contains three congregations — Tree of Life, New Light and Dor Hadash. Morning services begin at 9:45 a.m. and end at noon.
The Tree of Life Synagogue is located at the corner of Wilkins and Shady Avenue. (Brian Gentry | Online Visual Editor)
Jeff Finklestein, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, told KDKA reporters during a live broadcast, “A typical Saturday morning would have maybe 50-60 people, a guess.”
Rabbi Chuck Diamond, a former spiritual leader at the Tree of Life, told The Pitt News in an interview that it’s a difficult time for everyone affected.
“I called people that I knew, tried to see if they were OK. One is a doctor and he said he saw somebody’s name on the list who was taken to the emergency room who was, again, one of those people who was always there,” Diamond said.
Michael Eisenberg, the immediate past president of the synagogue, told KDKA there are three simultaneous congregation services on Saturdays at 9:45 a.m.
“On a day like today, the door is open. It’s a religious service — you can walk in and out.” Eisenberg said. “Only on the High Holidays is there a police presence.”
During his time as president, Eisenberg worked with Homeland Security and other synagogues to bring in the police presence during major holidays.
“Moving forward, this is a real occurrence and we need to learn from this. In light of this happening, it will be a catalyst for the future in most religious institutions,” Eisenberg said.
Hissrich said at the press conference that there will be “adequate police protection” at vigils tonight.
This story was updated at 6:09 p.m. Saturday.
A previous version of this story identified Wendell Hissrich as a Public Safety Officer. He is the Public Safety Director.
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